Maxime Esteve. (Jorge Horsted/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Everton still have plenty to fight for heading into the final weeks of the Premier League season.
With three matches remaining, the Toffees remain within touching distance of a European place, although they may need favours elsewhere if they are to sneak into continental competition.
Whatever happens, though, recruitment is expected to be a major focus this summer as Everton look to continue building under their current project.
Defensive reinforcements are firmly on the agenda — and one player already attracting serious attention is Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve.
Everton In Race for Esteve
Everton are among the clubs pushing to sign Burnley defender Maxime Esteve this summer, although they now face growing competition from across Europe, according to Football Insider.
The Frenchman, once described as a “Rolls Royce” defender by Micah Richards, has impressed despite Burnley’s difficult campaign and is expected to attract major interest if the Clarets are relegated.
Everton were linked with Esteve previously, but the 23-year-old opted to remain at Turf Moor and signed a new contract after Burnley’s promotion back to the Premier League. Since then, however, the situation has changed dramatically.
Bayer Leverkusen have now entered the race for the defender, meaning Everton may need to move quickly if they want to secure his signature ahead of next season.
Esteve was one of Burnley’s standout performers during their promotion-winning campaign and has still shown flashes of quality in the top flight despite the club’s struggles near the bottom of the table.
For Everton, the appeal is obvious. Esteve is young, composed on the ball and already has Premier League experience, making him an attractive long-term option at the heart of defence.
With interest continuing to build, this could quickly become one of the more competitive transfer battles of Everton’s summer window — especially if European football ends up on the table at Goodison Park.
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